Apparatus for crystallizing solutions by evaporation or cooling



Dec. 4, 1934.

' BQNATH APPARATUS FOR CRYSTALLIZING SOLUTIONS BY EVAPORATION 0R COQLING Filed Feb. 16, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 1H FIGJ.

Ill-l 0000000000 10 .l j oooooooooo A II 00000000 00 Illllll llll' 0000000000 2 3000000090 Ill Ill 0 000000000 0000000000 Illlll 0000000000 00 00000000 Illillll FIGS.

Dec. 4, 1934. R. BONATH 1,982,978

APPARATUS FOR CRYSTALLIZING sommous BY EVAPORATION OR 000mm.

Filed Feb. 16, 1932 4 sheetssheet 2 FIGA.

Dec. 4, 1934. R. BONAT-H v 1,982,978

APPARATUS FOR CRYSTALLIZING S OLUTIONS BY EVAPORATION OR COOLING Filed Feb. 16,1932 4 Sheets-Sheet s 1934. R. BONATH. v 7 1,982,978

APPARATUS FOR CRYSTALLIZING SOLUTIbNS BY EVAPORATION OR COOLING Filed Feb. 16, 19:52 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGS.

R BM 1% Patented Dec. 4, H34

eA'rsNr oFFlic APPARATUS FOR CRYSTALLIZING SOLU- TIONS BY EVAPORATION OR COOLING Richard Bonath, Bussum, Netherlands, assignor to Werkspoor N. 7V., Amsterdam, Netherlands,

a company of the Netherlands Application February 16, 1932, Serial No. 593,344 lln the Netherlands February 28, 1931 Claims. (ill. l5945) This invention relates to apparatus for crystallizing solutions by evaporation or cooling.

Apparatus arranged in accordance with this invention are particularly suitable for concen- 5 trating sugar juices and syrups, but can also be used as a cooler for cooked mass and for salt solutions,

Crystallizing apparatus suitable for continuous operation are old. In such apparatus, if used as a cooking pan for sugar juices, thick juice is continuously introduced at one end of the apparatus, whereas the concentrated cooked mass is discharged at the other end. It is also old to use such continuous apparatus for cooling solutions.

Known apparatus of this character comprise a horizontal trough divided by partitions into a plurality of compartments. The liquid to be crystallized is subjected, in each compartment, to a heat treatment (heating or cooling), so as to be gradually brought into its final condition. A disadvantageous feature of said apparatus is,

however, that it is impossible to ensure that all crystals travel from one compartment to the next one in substantially the same succession wherein they are formed or have grown, the result being that a certain amount of crystals lag behind and give rise to agglomerates of crystals and to the production of crystals of unequal sizes. The provision of a stirring device, or of arms for throwing the mass over the partitions, as often recommended to meet said diificulties, does not give satisfaction. Such stirrers interfere with the uniform flow which, in a continuous apparatus, should take place from inlet to outlet.

A continuous crystallizing apparatus should fulfil the condition that the solution flows uniformly over the heating or cooling surface, otherwise it would not be possible to ensure a uniform growth of the crystals. Therefore, the uniform flow of the mass from inlet to outlet may not be impaired by mixing and stirring devices and it is essential for the mass to be fed, in a homogeneous stream, continuously or intermittently, over the heating or -.ooling surfaces.

In accordance with the present invention, this result is obtained by the provision of a special system of partitions, comprising, in addition to m a series of fixed partitions dividing the trough into a plurality of compartments, 2:; series of rotary partitions which periodically close, wholly or for the greater part, the passages left between the compartments so as to temporarily trap the mass-under treatment in one or more adjacent compartments, wherein it remains in contact with the heating (or cooling) surfaces.

The rotary partitions may suitably be sectorshaped and secured to a shaft mounted in the lower part of the stationary trough.

Very good results are obtained when the checking partitions are in the form of interrupted rings so disposed that openings in successive rings are in staggered relation, said rings being secured to the inner wall of a rotary drum and cooperating with stationary central partitions as to periodically check the passage of the mass.

The invention will be described hereinafter in further detail with reference to the drawings, which diagrammatically illustrate four embodi 0 ments of a crystallizing apparatus. In this drawing:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view, along the line I-I in Fig. 2, of a crystallizing apparatus suitable as a cooking pan, U 1 5 Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of said pan, along the line II -II1 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of said pan, along the line III-III in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is afragmentary longitudinal sectional view, along the line IVIV in Fig. 5, of a second embodiment which is especially suitable as a cooler for salt solutions,

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of said cooler, along the line v-v in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is partly a longitudinal sectional view along the line VI-VI in Fig. '7, partly an elevation of a third embodiment, acting as a rotary cooking pan,

Fig. 7 is across sectional view of said cooking pan, along the line VIIVII in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a'development of the inner surface of the rotary shell of the crystallizing apparatus il lustrated in Figs. 6 and 7,

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view, along the line IX -IX in Fig. 10, of a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view along the line X--X in Fig. 9.

The pan 1 shown in Figs. l-3 is divided, by a series of vertical partitions 2, into a plurality of compartments 3. The partitions 2 do not fully extend to the bottom of the pan, but are spaced therefrom so as to form therewith substantially semi-circular openings or passages 4. Mounted in the lower portion of the pan is a horizontal shaft 5, one end of which is journaled ina bearing 6 of the rear wall of the pan, the other end passing through a stuffing box 7 of the front wall 119 and having keyed thereto a gear wheel 8, by means of which the shaft may be driven.

Secured'to the shaft are a series of substantially semi-circular disks 9 staggering through 180 relative to one another and" adapted, once every revolution, to close, completely or nearly so, the passages 4. Consequently, the disks 9 are adapted alternately to establish communication between adjacent compartments 3, and break this communication.

The thick juice is continuously run into the pan through a nozzle 10 and continuously discharged therefrom through a pipe 11. The pan is provided with the usual dome 12, connected through a vapour pipe with the vacuum installation. Provided in each compartment 3 of the pan is a coil 13, connected as at 14 to a steam supply pipe and as at 15 to a pump for water of condensation, or to a steam trap.

In Fig. 1, the shaft 5 assumes a. position wherein the first two compartments 3 of the pan are in communication with one another, so that the mass is free to continue its travel in horizontal direction. The communication between the second and the third compartment, however, is cut off, as well as that between the fourth and the fifth, the sixth and the seventh compartment, and so on. Consequently, the mass is intermittently trapped in two adjacent compartments, the duration of this stagnation depending upon the angular distance through which the disks 9 in their lowermost positions overlap the fixed partitions 3. It will thus be-understood that, in

a way, the mass intermittently travels from the one compartment to the next one and that it is simultaneously compelled to flow over the entire heating surface of each compartment.

The flow of the mass may take place under the v infiuence of gravity only, but it is preferably promoted by a screw conveyor mounted on shaft 5, as

shown in Fig. 4. During its flow from the one compartment to the other, the mass is gradually concentrated and during its travel thick juice or syrup may be admixed thereto, to which end supply pipes for said materials may be connected to the pan at various points thereof.

In order that the pan may be emptied when, at the end of the cooking process, thelevel of the mass has fallen below. the opening of the discharge pipe 11, the bottom of the pan is provided with a drain opening 14' connected with the discharge pipe 11 through a branch 16 with valve 17.

The construction of the apparatus just described can still be simplified by making the partitions 2 hollow and by using these as heating elements, in which case the coils 13 may be dispensed with.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the trough 1 has an open top and is provided with two rotary shafts 18 and 19. Shaft 18 is hollow and carries a plurality of hollow disks 20 for the circulation of cooling water, which is supplied and discharged through shaft 18. Both ends of this shaft are passed through stuffing boxes 23. 24 on either end of the trough, one end o said shaft being provided with a gear wheel 25 driven by a pinion 27 on a drive shaft 26. Mounted between the disks of each pair of disks 20 is a stationa y partition 21, which does not fully extend to the bottom of the trough but is spaced therefrom so as to provide for a passage 22 for the liquid.

One end of the shaft 19 is supported, near the bottom of the trough, in a bearing 28 of the front wall of the trough, its other end extending through a stuffing box 29 of the rear wall, where it carries a pinion 30 meshing with the gear wheel 25 on shaft 18. Mounted on shaft 19 are a series of substantially semi-circular disks 31, which, as distinguished from. those of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, are all in alignment with one another and adapted to simultaneously close all the passages 22 provided in the partitions 21. With the disks 31 assuming their lowermost positions, the horizontal flow of the mass through the trough is almost entirely interrupted and the liquid is compelled to flow over the hollow disks 20, the required propelling force being. supplied by the screw blades 32 mounted on shaft 19 opposite the disks 31. These screw blades also promote the travel of the liquid in horizontal direction.

The apparatus just described is especially suitable as a cooler for salt solutions, in which the crystals of the salt collect on the bottom and are conveyed by the screw blades 32 in horizontal direction towards the sprocket wheel 34 of a chain pump 33. The driving wheel 36 of said pump is mounted on shaft 26. The salt raised by the pump is discharged into a trough 35, whence it may be further conveyed.

Between the disks of each pair of disks 20, scrapers 37 are provided to clean said disks during their rotary movement. Each of said disks is provided at its periphery with a plurality of recesses 38' equally spaced apart in such a manner that during operation the corresponding screw blade 32 in its uppermost position is in mesh with one of said recesses.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and '7, the crystallizing apparatus is revolubly mounted, whereas the heating device is stationary.

The outer shell 1 is conical and provided with two annular races 37, 38, in addition to a gear rim 39. Through said races the shell is supported by rollers pivoted to either end of links 41 adapted for swinging motion in brackets 42. The shell is driven by a shaft 43 provided with a loose and a fast pulley 44 and carrying a pinion 45 meshing with the gear rim 39.

Mounted within the shell 1 is a stationary steam chest 46 provided with crosswise arranged nests of pipes 47 for the circulation of the mass under treatment. Secured to the outer wall of said chest are a plurality of annular partitions 48, the upper segment of each of which has been cut away. The centresof the peripheries of all partitions 48 are located in the axis of the shell 1. so that said peripheries are spaced equal distances from the inner wall of the shell. The top edges of the partitions 48 are located in a common horizontal plane.

Substantially in the planes of said partitions the shell 1 is provided, on its inner wall, with rings 49, each having a recess or interruption 50. The recesses 50 of adjacent rings are provided in staggered relation and spaced apart through an angular distance of say 135, so that the recesses of the first and of the ninth ring. as well as those of the second and the tenth ring, etc., are in axial alignment.

When the recess 50 of ring 49 has been raised above the level of the liquid, said ring checks the passage of the liquid between the inner wall of the shell 1 and the correspondingpartition 48. Consequently, the liquid will be periodically trapped between a plurality of rings, in the em bodiment shown between nine rings. I

Since in the last said embodiment the liquid motors 4 is at any time free to flow through a compare ill tively great number (eight) of adlacent compartments, the flow or the mass Ircm the inlet to the outlet of the apparatus is practically con-- tinuous. v

The steam chest 46 is provided with a nozzle 51, to which the steam supply pipe is connected.

Said nozzle is surrounded by a. chamber 52', .to which thicls juice is supplied through a nozzle 53,-

soid chamber being provided with an ope cc, through which the juice is fed into the shell 1. The statiomm' chamber 52 is sealed with respect "to the shell 1 by means of a at box to.

Secured to the rear well of the to is o. lei-port dischssge cheetso, the noel: ot which posses through o. lower port of sold discherge chest serves ifcr the discharge of the cooked mess and is to end provided with s dischnrgc pipe 56 outside the shell 1. The upper port oi chest. to serves lor discharging the vapors and has a metric co to which the vapour pipe oi? the control con- (lensing plent is connected. Vertically shove the inlet opening to for the vapors is e, leefietl which prevents any juice, that may be contclned in the vopours, from entering into sold vapour" pipe.

Since lnthe described apparatus the moss is forced to flow very uoQ jk" over the stationcry hosting member, said appointee con m used with speclnl advantage us a continuous cool-doc pen for sugar juices end syrups.

Musk-.3 end 10 also illustrete on eppsretue udepted use. coolcing pen. In thisembodiment. the pen 1 is provided with elhorizontol t (it, the endsfoi' which ere pcssedthrcugli boxes 63, 6d, of the front end the reer well of the pen, respectively. The one end or the cold shaft is provided with e worm Wheel 65, meshing with-s worm do adapted to. be driven loony convenient memier."- Mounted on shaft 62 are a.

series oi circular disks "67, the altimeter of such oi? which is substcntielly equal to the inner di .ometer of the trough 1. Each disk 67 is crowded with e peripheral recess 68, the recesses of ud- Jecent disksbeing spaced through angular distcnces of 90. Secured to the inner wall of the trough 1, intermediate between the disks 67 cl each. pair, are one or more stationary hollow bellies e9, providing for an opening for the possage ot-the mass in the central portion oi the trough. Said hollow; battles also serve as'hecting elements and ,are, to this end, connected to a. steam pipe. g

The thick juice is fed into the pimthrough a.

nozzle "10 and continuously discharged through a pipe 11. The pen is provided in the usual manner with a dome or upper drum 12 connected through a vapour pipe with the central condensetlon plant.

Also in this embodiment the, bottom of the pan is provided with a. drain opening 14' connected through a pipe 18 with valve 1'! to the discharge pipe 11 and serving for emptying the Dan.

In the upper portion 0! the pan there is provided a series of partitions ,70 or rectangular shape, extending downward so far as to cover the recesses 68 of the disks 67, when said recesses are in their uppermost positions.

In this case the pc for the mass is fully checked in the respective section. If, however, disk 6'? has moved with its recess 68 beyond the home 70, the mass is again tree to pass. In the illustrated embodiment, in which the in adjacent. disks are 90 apart, at any momentfour consecutive compartments or the pan will be in communication with one another, but out oi! from the reminder of the pen. In sold comportmcnts the horizontal flow. of the mess will be checked for a. short time, until the disk on the side of the discharge opening has again moved with its recess 68 beyond the correspon heme Ill. It will thus be seen, that also in this ccse a. liomeontol flow will be pro duccd, which, however, will be periodically interrupted during; e short time. Owing to the provision o the heating elements so intermediate between the disks t7 and to the staggered relotion oi the recesses es, the moss is compelled to flow very uniformly over the heating eurlece, so thei the pen is exceptio suitable as e continuous cooldno pen.

Instead of g hollow, stationery battles to. the rot so may be-lormecl cs hollow members end used as heating elements. in that once the oppcrctus hes the udvantoseous lecture that the intestine sece moves through the most. thereby increasing the uniformity in the crystele 1min: process.

Furthermore, ecclo. oi sold ro tery dicks may be provided with more then one 1% peripheral recess, whereby the flow in ioorieontcl direction will become still more om end con precti'cnlly be considered to continuous.

What I clcicu is:--=-' I 1. In opporeitus cs emote/solutions bym5 evcporetion or cooling, c. receptwle, s series of stetionery plows. dividing the receptacle into e plurality of compartments, sold stotionciy pistes; bovine op i s for estate co'uulcetlcn between the compartments, c. series of sector 1w upper portion or the receptacle and dividing the upper portion of the receptacle into a plurality of compartments and a series of rotary plates insoid receptacle-and occupying that port 01 the cross sectional area. of the receptacle which is left uncovered by the stationary plate, said rotary plates being in the form of circular disks each provided with a peripheral recess, adapted to be 7 by the cooperating stetlon- 130 periodically covered ary plate.

3. In apparatus for csolutlons by evaporation or cooling, a receptacle, 2. series at stationary plates located in planes at substontiolly right angles to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and positioned in the upper portion 0! the receptacle to divide the upper portion of the receptacle into a plurality of compartments, a series or rotary plates in said receptacle and occupying that part 01' the cross sectional area.

of the receptacle left vacant by the stationary plates. said rotary plates being in the form or circular disks each provided with a. peripheral recess, adapted to be periodically covered by the cooperating stationaryplote, and stationary 1101- 1415 low bodies arranged between the rotary plates to partly fill up the cross section of the receptacle and adapted for the circulation of a, medium in host exchange relation with the liquid.

4. In an ammo-10M solutions 15o by evaporation or cooling, a receptacle, a mries of stationary plates for dividing the receptacle into a plurality of compartments, said stationary partitions having openings for establishing communication between the compartments, and a series of rotary plates in said receptacle, each rotary plate being arranged adjacent the corresponding stationary plate and of such a size and shaped and angularly displaced with relation to each other to periodically close the passage for the liquid left by the stationary plates.

5. In an apparatus for crystallizing solutions by evaporation or cooling, a receptacle, a series 

